Cyberbullying may have led to shooting of 12-year-old boy, police say

TAUNTON, Mass. — A case of what Taunton police believe to be cyberbullying led to the shooting of a 12-year-old boy Monday afternoon.

The suspect has been identified as a 13-year-old boy. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Tuesday.

The incident took place Monday afternoon in a wooded area off Highstone Street, near the alleged shooter’s home.

Police said a group of children confronted the 12-year-old at his house where an argument began.

That’s when Lt. Paul Roderick said the group made comments that brought fear to the teenager.

“He returned to the house where his mother had secured a weapon,” Roderick said. “He was able to access the weapon. He went outside and an argument ensued and he fired one shot with what I know to be a long rifle.”

The victim was shot in his arm and the bullet became lodged in his rib cage. He was taken to a hospital and is listed in stable condition.

The alleged shooter was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and discharged a weapon within 500 feet of a dwelling.

He’s now in the custody of youth services.

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